Children and young people counselling service team leader jobs in Belfast
Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?
Do you have experience of successful delivery of safeguarding strategies and initiatives?
Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard through a profound commitment to safeguarding, protection and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults?
Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Designated Safeguarding Lead to join our team to Act as the expert organisational designated safeguarding lead (DSL) for all work
covering children, young people (CYP) and adults in equal measure. Your role will be homebased but may require you to travel to locations such as hospitals and care homes nationally to meet with stakeholders; therefore, a suitable home internet connection is essential.
About us
VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.
We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most. For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.
About you
You will have at least 2 years’ experience of working as a Designated Safeguarding Lead with line management responsibility, developing, implementing and evaluating of CYP and Adult safeguarding policies, procedures, and training programmes, reflecting current legislation and best practices.You will also have demonstrable experience in leading, managing, influencing diverse teams on safeguarding, focusing on developing a positive culture and promoting continuous professional development.
You should have experience in managing complex safeguarding cases, including conducting risk assessments, deciding on immediate actions, and coordinating with external agencies and key stakeholders.
How will you make a difference?
You will be called upon internally and/or by external bodies as a source of organisational expert knowledge.
You will provide leadership and accountability for the advancement of safeguarding best
practices.
You will work resourcefully and collaboratively across agencies and adapt child protection systems to address risks in diverse social environments as part of a contextual safeguarding approach, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of young people, vulnerable groups and adults alike.
Benefits
28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service
5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution
Salary sacrifices pension scheme
Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary)
Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc
24/7 Employee Assistance programme
Access to remote counselling service
Paid Disability Leave
Paid compassionate Leave
Home Working Allowance
Support with continuous professional development
Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development
Personal Development Plans
How are staff supported to work remotely?
VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community.
When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs).
VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach.
Equality and Diversity
VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.
VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.
Registered Charity 
101 - 500
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Salary: £26,650 - £32,600 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week, with one late evening and occasional weekends
Contract: Permanent
Location: Various local authority locations across Oxfordshire/Community settings
Job reference number: 1636
About Us: Here4YOUth Oxfordshire, part of Cranstoun, is a social justice and harm reduction charity with a global ambition. Our vision is to be a world-class leader in rebuilding lives, and our purpose is to inspire and empower people to live healthier and safer lives. We value being ambitious, creative, compassionate, collaborative, and respectful.
A word from one of our team members…
“ Being part of the Here4YOUth team at Cranstoun is incredibly rewarding. Every day, I see the difference we make in the lives of families and young people. The support, encouragement, and genuine care from colleagues creates an environment where you can truly grow and help others thrive.”
Job Purpose: Support families affected by substance use by delivering a whole family programme. You will help strengthen family resilience, improve communication, and support positive change for children, young people, and their families in Oxfordshire.
-
Deliver the Cranstoun Here4YOUth Whole Family Programme, including comprehensive whole-family assessments exploring challenges, coping strategies, and readiness for change.
-
Lead the co-ordination of group interventions for children, young people, and whole families.
-
Contribute to service evaluations and service level reporting
-
Mentor and participate in induction for volunteers within the family service.
-
Provide guidance and peer supervision to team members working with children and young people who are affected by substance use
-
Use trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches in your work and facilitate practical activities for engagement and skill-building, including mindfulness and grounding techniques.
Person Specification:
-
Experience of community engagement and delivering group work.
-
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team as well as a strong ability to liaise with and build effective working relationships with other agencies.
-
Good written and verbal communication skills.
-
Experience working with families and young people affected by substance use or similar challenges is highly desirable.
-
Willingness to undertake relevant training (e.g., Drawing & Talking, group skills, internal programme delivery).
-
Excellent understanding of safeguarding, harm reduction principles, and multi-agency working.
-
High standard of IT and case management skills and ability to support others through basic IT tasks as needed.
-
Ability to manage own time, prioritise activities, and maintain accountability and support others to do this.
-
Cultural awareness, sensitivity, and ability to work non-judgementally in all arenas.
Benefits: As part of joining Cranstoun, and successfully completing your probation period, you will be able to access a diverse benefits package including access to store discounts, a car lease scheme, gym membership discounts, health cash plans and a yearly wellbeing day on top of annual leave.
To find out more about this role and to apply, please visit the website via the apply button.
Closing date: 26 January 2026.
Additional Information: This post will be subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure. Due to the nature of the role, being a driver is essential, with access to a car and business insurance required.
We are an inclusive employer, committed to promoting equality and diversity in all areas of our work.
Registered Charity No: 1061582
